Through the use of magnetic resonance imaging, a recent study indicated that 13 preschool children (ages 4-5) with ADHD had smaller volumes in the caudate nucleus than 13 preschool children without ADHD. The caudate nucleus is associated with learning, memory and motor control. In addition, the caudate volumes were significantly correlated with parental reports of […]
Some research has indicated that the use of video modeling can help children with autism achieve different skills. Shipley-Benamou et al (2002) used video modeling instruction to teach 5 daily living skills to three children with autism. The video modeling was effective in promoting skill acquisition for 3/3 children who participated. Additional research has been […]
Recent research was published in a journal, Emotion, indicating that subjects ranging in age from 4th grade through college students reacted with increased force to the color red. In one experiment, 4th through 10th grade students had to pinch and hold open a metal clasp. Before attempting the task, the subjects had to look at […]
Pediatric Physical Therapy published research on the effects of aerobic exercise on academics in young children with autism. In the experimental phase of the treatment, the children participated in 15 minutes of aerobic activity prior to academic tasks. In the control phase, the children only completed the academic tasks. The results indicated a significant difference […]
The American Journal of Occupational Therapy published a small study on the use of therapy cushions during math class for 2 kindergarten students with autism. Using a single subject A-B-A-B-C design the children used a regular chair (A) – cushion (B) – chair (A) -cushion (B) – free choice (C) during math class followed by […]
The Journal of Child Neurology published research on a review of records of 934 children with a history of tight heel cords and toe walking. Toe walking (20.1%) and tight heel cords (12%) were present more often in the 324 children with autism but lower in 30 children with Asperger Syndrome (10% with toe walking […]
The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University has published a paper entitled Building the Brain’s “Air Traffic Control” System: How Early Experiences Shape the Development of Executive Function. This paper provides an overview on executive function and how it develops in children. Executive functions include working memory, inhibitory control and cognitive or mental […]
The American Journal of Occupational Therapy published a pilot study comparing sensory integration versus fine motor interventions in children with autism. Children with autism or PDD were divided into two groups, with 20 children receiving sensory integration treatment and 17 fine motor skill treatments. The participants received eighteen, 45 minute treatment sessions during a 6 […]
The American Journal of Occupational Therapy published a single subject design research study on the effectiveness of using therapy ball chairs on classroom participation in children with autism. Six boys with autism spectrum disorder were assessed using video recordings during circle time when they were sitting on the therapy balls. The results indicated that each […]
There are thousands of applications available for the iPhone and the iPad. For those of you who work with children with autism it can be difficult to know where to start when you search the applications that are available. A few people have written some informative blog posts on apps and autism. Check them out […]